By Shannon Kobylarczyk, Milwaukee, WI
The Importance of Female Leadership
In today’s corporate world, strong leadership is essential. But over the past several years, I have seen firsthand how female leaders bring unique perspectives that strengthen teams and enhance corporate governance. Women leaders often approach challenges differently. We focus not only on results but also on relationships, ethics, and long-term sustainability. These qualities are especially important in areas like securities, corporate governance, compliance, and ethics, where decisions impact employees, investors, and the broader community.
“I have found that strong women leaders bring balance, empathy, and strategic thinking to the table,” I often say. “These qualities make teams stronger and organizations more resilient.”
Lessons From My Career
I started my professional journey in accounting, spending twelve years honing skills in finance and operational management. While this work was valuable, I always felt drawn to law. Eventually, I pursued a law degree at Marquette University while working full-time and raising two young children. Balancing family, work, and school was incredibly challenging, but it gave me insight into the importance of perseverance, teamwork, and adaptability.
After law school, I joined a corporate legal department as a Securities Attorney and eventually became Associate General Counsel. In this role, I oversaw corporate governance, securities, ethics, compliance, and trademark management. My experiences have reinforced how vital leadership is in shaping company culture and guiding ethical decisions.
Women Leading With Purpose
One of the most powerful lessons I have learned is that leadership is not just about making decisions. It is about creating a culture where people feel supported, heard, and valued. Women leaders often excel at building these environments.
In my experience, teams led by women tend to emphasize collaboration, open communication, and integrity. These factors are critical in governance and compliance, where employees must feel comfortable raising concerns or discussing potential risks. “A strong leader creates a team that thrives on trust and accountability,” I explain. “When women lead with empathy and clarity, teams respond with loyalty and performance.”
Statistics support what I have observed. According to a 2022 report by McKinsey & Company, companies with higher female representation in leadership roles are 21% more likely to outperform peers in profitability. Additionally, diverse leadership teams are better at managing risk, making decisions, and fostering innovation. These figures highlight the tangible impact women can have on governance and ethics.
Balancing Strength With Empathy
I have learned that one of the hallmarks of effective female leadership is the ability to balance strength with empathy. In corporate law, we often face complex, high-stakes situations. Decisions about compliance, ethics, or corporate governance can have long-lasting implications. Approaching these decisions with both confidence and understanding is essential.
“When you combine technical expertise with emotional intelligence, you create a team that is not only capable but also resilient,” I say. “Employees are more likely to take initiative, share ideas, and hold themselves accountable when they feel supported.”
This balance is not always easy to achieve. It requires constant self-reflection, mentorship, and a commitment to ongoing growth. I make it a priority to lead by example, showing my team that integrity and empathy are not weaknesses—they are strengths.
Mentorship and Opportunity
Another key aspect of female leadership is mentorship. Women leaders have the power to guide the next generation and create opportunities for others to succeed. Throughout my career, I have benefited from mentors who encouraged me to take risks, pursue growth, and embrace challenges.
Now, I focus on providing the same guidance to others. Mentorship strengthens teams by building confidence, skills, and leadership capacity. It also ensures that organizations retain talented individuals who may one day become the next generation of leaders.
“Mentoring is one of the most rewarding parts of leadership,” I often tell my colleagues. “It allows you to pass on experience, build confidence, and create a culture where people feel valued and empowered.”
Creating a Legacy
Strong women leaders leave a lasting impact not just on their teams, but on the entire organization. They shape policies, influence corporate culture, and model ethical behavior. By emphasizing accountability, transparency, and collaboration, women leaders strengthen governance structures and foster environments where employees thrive.
My hope is that more organizations recognize the importance of female leadership. By supporting women in leadership roles and valuing diverse perspectives, companies can enhance performance, strengthen teams, and navigate complex challenges more effectively.
Advice for Aspiring Leaders
For women aspiring to leadership roles in corporate ethics and governance, my advice is simple: believe in yourself, keep learning, and embrace challenges. Seek mentors, build relationships, and do not be afraid to take risks. Leadership is not about being perfect. It is about being authentic, resilient, and committed to making a positive impact.
“Strong women create strong teams,” I remind others. “When you lead with purpose, empathy, and integrity, you shape not just your team but the future of your organization.”
The world of corporate governance and ethics will always have challenges. But with women in leadership roles, organizations can navigate these challenges with intelligence, compassion, and strength. By embracing our unique perspectives and supporting one another, women leaders are shaping a better, stronger future for businesses everywhere.